Pico-Salax (Citric Acid/Magnesium Oxide/Sodium Picosulfate) is an Over the counter (OTC) combination medication used to cleanse your bowel of faecal matter and secretions prior to x-ray examination, endoscopy, colonoscopy or surgery. This product is not intended to be used as a regular laxative. Pico-Salax contains sodium picosulfate, magnesium oxide, and citric acid. Together, these natural compounds work by helping your bowels retain more moisture, which produces a watery stool or bowel movement which empties and cleans the bowel before the procedure. Each dose of Picosalax usually produces a bowel movement within 2 to 3 hours, depending on your individual response. Cleaning the colon allows the inside of your colon to be seen more clearly on the colonoscopy.

Manufacturer Information

Canadian Pharmacy King currently offers the brand Pico-Salax from Canada by Ferring. The generic version Sodium picosulfate, Magnesium oxide, and Citric acid is also available from Canada by a different manufacturer. Pico-Salax is available in the strength of 12 mg/3.5 gm/10 mg, two sachets per pack.

Common side effects of Pico-Salax may include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or headache. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice more serious side effects such as:

• A light headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• A seizure;
• Confusion;
• Irregular heartbeats;
• Little or no urination;
• Painful bloating, severe stomach cramps;
• Rectal bleeding;
• Severe nausea or vomiting;
• Trouble swallowing, trouble drinking liquids

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. If any of these side effects worsen or persist, or if you experience any serious side effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

You should not use Pico-Salax if you are allergic to citric acid, magnesium oxide, or sodium picosulfate, or if you have ever had kidney disease, a bowel obstruction, ileus, colitis, toxic megacolon, a dilated intestine, a perforation (a hole or tear) of your intestines, or slow digestion. To make sure Pico-Salax is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had dehydration and an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium, magnesium, or sodium in your blood), a stomach or intestinal disorder, such as ulcerative colitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), kidney problems, heart problems, a seizure, alcohol withdrawal, or if you have recently used a sedative such as Valium or Xanax (diazepam, alprazolam, lorazepam, and others). It is not known if this medication will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication. It is not known if this medication will pass into breast milk, or if it will harm a nursing baby. Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding to discuss any possible risks.

Several medications may interact with Pico-Salax. If you take chlorpromazine, digoxin, iron, penicillamine, or antibiotics, take them at least two hours before or not less than six hours after you take Pico-Salax. Talk to your doctor about any medications you are taking, especially a laxative, a diuretic (water pill), heart or blood pressure medication, medication to treat a kidney problem, medication to treat depression or mental illness , seizure medication, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, or meloxicam. This is not a complete list of interactions, and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any medications, vitamins, or herbal supplements you are currently taking or have recently taken in order to reduce the risk of any possible reactions. This medication is not approved for use in anyone younger than nine years old.

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